Job Discussion Forums

[Guy Courchesne]

For those of you in Mexico teaching, did you find that you brought the wrong type of clothes for both the climate and the workplace? I know this varies quite a bit around Mexico.

[Jetgirly]

I am teaching at a prepa. I brought clothes that would err on the too-professional side at a Canadian high school (knee-length skirts, lightweight blazers, heels, etc.) and I don't really "fit in" in the staff room. Sorry to say it, but most of my co-workers here wear suits... cheap, poorly-made, polyester suits. And blouses that are six sizes too small that gape at the bust, or that have big food stains down the front. I can tell that my wardrobe isn't looked upon highly, but I don't care. I'm not jamming my $300 "reserved for special work occasions" suits into a suitcase, dry cleaning them regularly, sweating in them more regularly, and putting them on only to get them covered with grease stains on the bus and chalk in the classroom.

[MELEE]

No, but I my job lined up in advance and received a lot of information about what is acceptable and the climate before I came.

Being on this end I find people often don't believe me when I tell them they will need a light jacket and a couple of sweaters.

[Prof.Gringo]

I find that I came with the right type of clothes to begin with and I have just expanded my wardrobe. I usually wear a pair of cotton khakis with a short or long sleeved button down shirt without a tie. I usually wear casual dress leather shoes and try to keep them polished. I have a good collection of sweaters(for that Prof. look), jackets and coats for the weather.

I never wear shorts in public. No open-toe shoes or flip-flops either. I have enough dress shirts, ties, and dress pants to go an entire week as well as a 3 piece suit and a tuxedo.

For good measure I put a small Mexican flag pin on my lapel.

[GueroPaz]

It shows that Mexico is a country with the climates of an entire continent (other than Australia and Antarctica). I have now expanded my list of cities worth considering, to Merida, where even the January lows only average 14.

I would hope my Thai wardrobe is appropriate for the east coast: long cotton trousers, short and long sleeved dress shirts, hopefully without a tie; and black leather shoes, lace or loafers. If I get there and buy the Honda 250, a pair of short, black custom-made boots. And, if I could wear it under the helmet, a black leather sombrero, like I wore in Comitan!

[Guy Courchesne]

[Jetgirly]

The admin wear a "uniform" which is one particular suit with a different colored shirt each day (Monday is orange, Tuesday is blue, etc.) but I am talking about the teachers. The school doesn't buy or subsidize their clothing in any way.

[dixie]

Where I work it depends on the teacher, and it depends on the day. You can be casual (jeans, and a blouse/nice shirt), or more professional (dress pants and blouse). Jackets and ties are on often worn here (unless it is upper admin).